STC to launch AI community course in 2026

Cybersecurity faculty member Hector Trevino, said in addition to planting the AI seed of interest, this course will also give participants the confidence they need to face the ever-evolving world of technology.

“I will be teaching the Foundations of AI, a course that will benefit our community by helping students understand the technologies shaping the world around them,” said Trevino. “This course is important because AI now plays a role in education, careers and everyday decision-making. Students will learn core skills in coding, data, problem-solving and how AI projects are designed and applied. The goal is to build their confidence, encourage innovation and prepare them for future opportunities in a technology-driven world.”

Onesimo Trevino Gonzalez, also a Cybersecurity faculty member, said he has been tasked with the largest module, which will focus primarily on machine and data learning, data import processes and basic techniques in computer visuals.

These modules will also revolve around command writing and programming to execute and verify AI responses.

“Designing this course has been a labor of love for AI technology and our community,” he said. “We’ve made everything as easy, as simple as possible. We want our students to succeed, learn and be encouraged. Every module connects and works together. It’s going to open eyes to AI and really give our region a clear understanding of how this technology is evolving, right here at home.”

Although the program is online, Trevino Gonzalez and those involved in the implementation of this course, have ensured that through lecture, theory, hands-on practice and quizzes, students will be prepared to implement AI personally or in the workplace, giving many marketable skills that are in demand.

“There is a huge misconception about AI taking over our jobs or the world, and that is not true. AI cannot think for itself…it needs human input,” he said. “This makes AI skills some of the most marketable. The demand is increasing, we will see a surge, and we want our students and our community to be ready. STC is leading the way.”

Petrosian hopes that this upcoming course continues to evolve with time and serves as a steppingstone into STC’s newest AI certificate/degree program.

Our hope is that this course opens doors, sparks curiosity and inspires more community members to pursue additional certifications or even a degree with us,” she said. “This is an exciting step forward not just for STC, but for the entire Rio Grande Valley.”

For more information on STC’s AI community course or to enroll, visit southtexascollege.edu/cpit/courses/career/computer/.